How to Use Concealer as Foundation Like a Pro

When you apply concealer, it’s usually to lend full coverage to dark circles, blemishes, or dark spots. But do you know how to use concealer as foundation? “When wearing your concealer all over, you can achieve that same medium-to-full coverage foundation look with a little finessing,” says Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry.

The best concealer for this task is none other than our Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer. Thanks to its ultra-hydrating formula (infused with hyaluronic acid) and skin-like natural finish, it never feels thick and heavy, or starts creasing halfway through the day.

When You Should Use Concealer as Foundation

Swapping out liquid concealer for foundation is an amazing way to downsize your makeup routine, especially when you’re creating your makeup look while traveling or on-the-go. “I love using Future Fluid on sets or for red carpet makeup because it works double duty,” says Sara, who gave us the full step-by-step tutorial.

“I buff it out to be a medium-coverage, non-cakey satin finish that looks seamless.” Then, using her fingers or a concealer brush, she dabs on another layer to cover up or color correct where it’s needed, like over blemishes, acne scars, discoloration, dark circles, or the under-eye area. “It saves space in my makeup bag,” she says. The next time you’re debating between packing concealer or foundation, you can safely opt for the former.

How to Use Concealer as Foundation

Understanding how to use concealer as a liquid foundation isn’t that different from applying your regular foundation. After priming her skin, Sara likes to dispense some Future Fluid onto the back of her hand before using a fluffy brush to blend it out over her entire face for a flawless finish.

Alternately, you can dot concealer directly onto your face. Try applying two dots on each quadrant of your face before spritzing withHydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray. Then, blend everything out with your fingertips, a brush, or a makeup sponge—just as you would your foundation. You can add another layer of concealer on any areas that need extra coverage. Spray on more Hydro Grip to lock in your DIY foundation, and you’re good to go. You’ll end up with stunning medium coverage that looks like fresh, healthy skin. And if you want a matte finish? Seal it in with a final layer of ourPore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray.

Tube of Milk Makeup Future Fluid Concealer on a white background

Shop Future Fluid Cream Concealer

If your concealer is too light for all-over coverage—which tends to happen if it’s your brightening under-eye concealer shade—Sara suggests mixing your under-eye concealer with a couple of drops ofBionic Bronzer. This hack creates an instantly warmer shade that matches your all-over skin tone and will have vacation-ready in a swipe.

How to Make a Tinted Moisturizer With Concealer

Your skincare routine holds the secret to unlocking your concealer’s tinted moisturizer powers. One of Sara’s favorite makeup artist tricks is combining concealer with moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer in your perfect skin tone and undertones. Use it with your regular moisturizer to mix up a formula that’s specifically suited to your skin type, whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, or dry skin.

“I take a quarter size ofVegan Milk Moisturizerand Future Fluid, mix them together with the warmth of my hands, and apply,” says Sara. For extra glow and dewiness, you can also add a bit ofBionic Glowto your custom formula.

This quick makeup tip is phenomenal when you want natural-looking coverage with a deeply hydrating feel, but don’t have the right products on hand to make it happen. Sometimes you just need to MacGyver your makeup routine, and we respect that. Who knew one little tube had so many uses?

Model applies Milk Makeup Future Fluid Concealer on a white background

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.